Isaiah 43:9

Isaiah 43:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Who among them can declare this, and proclaim to us the former things? Let them present their witnesses to vindicate them, so that others may hear and say, “It is true.”

King James Version KJV

Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth.

American Standard Version ASV

Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the peoples be assembled: who among them can declare this, and show us former things? let them bring their witnesses, that they may be justified; or let them hear, and say, It is truth.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Let all the nations come together, and let the peoples be present: who among them is able to make this clear, and give us word of earlier things? let their witnesses come forward, so that they may be seen to be true, and that they may give ear, and say, It is true.

Free Bible Version FBV

Have all the nations gather together! Have all the peoples assemble! Who among them could have said this, and predict what was going to happen? Have them bring their witnesses to prove that they're right. Then have them listen, and say, ‘It's true!’

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this and shewe vs former things? let them bring foorth their witnesses, that they may be iustified: but let them heare, and say, It is truth.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

All the nations have been gathered together, And the peoples are assembled, Who among them declareth this, And former things causeth us to hear? They give their witnesses, And they are declared righteous, And they hear and say, 'Truth.'

World English Bible WEB

Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the peoples be assembled. Who among them can declare this, and show us former things? Let them bring their witnesses, that they may be justified, or let them hear, and say, “That is true.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Let all the nations be collected, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and show us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

All the nations are assembled together, and the tribes are gathered: who among you can declare this, and shall make us hear the former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, let them be justified, and hear, and say: It is truth.

Translation for Translators T4T

Gather people of all nations together, ones from all people-groups, and ask them this: ‘Has any of their idols foretold the things that are happening now? And can any of them predict what will happen in the future?’ Then bring people who will testify and say ‘I heard them predict things, and what they predicted was what happened,’ but they will be lying.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 43:9

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 43:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כָּֽל הַ/גּוֹיִ֞ם נִקְבְּצ֣וּ יַחְדָּ֗ו וְ/יֵאָֽסְפוּ֙ לְאֻמִּ֔ים מִ֤י בָ/הֶם֙ יַגִּ֣יד זֹ֔את וְ/רִֽאשֹׁנ֖וֹת יַשְׁמִיעֻ֑/נוּ יִתְּנ֤וּ עֵֽדֵי/הֶם֙ וְ/יִצְדָּ֔קוּ וְ/יִשְׁמְע֖וּ וְ/יֹאמְר֥וּ אֱמֶֽת

כָּֽל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הַ/גּוֹיִ֞ם gôwy H1471 Gentile Art | N-mp

נִקְבְּצ֣וּ qâbats H6908 to gather V-Niphal-Perf-3cp

יַחְדָּ֗ו yachad H3162 unitedness Adv

וְ/יֵאָֽסְפוּ֙ ʼâçaph H622 to gather Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp

לְאֻמִּ֔ים lᵉʼôm H3816 people N-mp

מִ֤י mîy H4310 who? Part

בָ/הֶם֙ Prep | Suff

יַגִּ֣יד nâgad H5046 to tell V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

זֹ֔את zôʼth H2063 this Pron

וְ/רִֽאשֹׁנ֖וֹת riʼshôwn H7223 first Conj | Adj

יַשְׁמִיעֻ֑/נוּ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff

יִתְּנ֤וּ nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

עֵֽדֵי/הֶם֙ ʻêd H5707 witness N-mp | Suff

וְ/יִצְדָּ֔קוּ tsâdaq H6663 to justify Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

וְ/יִשְׁמְע֖וּ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

וְ/יֹאמְר֥וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

אֱמֶֽת ʼemeth H571 truth N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 43:9

כָּֽל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הַ/גּוֹיִ֞ם gôwy H1471 "Gentile" Art | N-mp

This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.

Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.

נִקְבְּצ֣וּ qâbats H6908 "to gather" V-Niphal-Perf-3cp

To gather or collect people or things, like when the Israelites assembled in the book of Numbers. It's about bringing things or people together in one place.

Definition: 1) to gather, assemble 1a) (Qal) to gather, collect, assemble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, gather 1b2) to be gathered 1c) (Piel) to gather, gather together, take away 1d) (Pual) to be gathered together 1e) (Hithpael) to gather together, be gathered together

Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up. See also: Genesis 41:35; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 41:7.

יַחְדָּ֗ו yachad H3162 "unitedness" Adv

This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.

Definition: 1) union, unitedness

Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.

וְ/יֵאָֽסְפוּ֙ ʼâçaph H622 "to gather" Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp

To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves

Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.

לְאֻמִּ֔ים lᵉʼôm H3816 "people" N-mp

This word refers to a community or nation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people who share a common identity or culture. The KJV translates it as 'nation' or 'people'.

Definition: a people, nation

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: nation, people. See also: Genesis 25:23; Proverbs 11:26; Psalms 2:1.

מִ֤י mîy H4310 "who?" Part

This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.

Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever

Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.

בָ/הֶם֙ "" Prep | Suff

יַגִּ֣יד nâgad H5046 "to tell" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.

Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported

Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.

זֹ֔את zôʼth H2063 "this" Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.

וְ/רִֽאשֹׁנ֖וֹת riʼshôwn H7223 "first" Conj | Adj

This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.

Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.

יַשְׁמִיעֻ֑/נוּ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

יִתְּנ֤וּ nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

עֵֽדֵי/הֶם֙ ʻêd H5707 "witness" N-mp | Suff

This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.

Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.

וְ/יִצְדָּ֔קוּ tsâdaq H6663 "to justify" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

Refers to the act of making something right, either by justifying oneself or being declared righteous by God. It is used to describe God's justice and people's attempts to do what is right. This concept is key to understanding the Bible's teachings on sin and redemption.

Definition: 1) to be just, be righteous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to have a just cause, be in the right 1a2) to be justified 1a3) to be just (of God) 1a4) to be just, be righteous (in conduct and character) 1b) (Niphal) to be put or made right, be justified 1c) (Piel) justify, make to appear righteous, make someone righteous 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to do or bring justice (in administering law) 1d2) to declare righteous, justify 1d3) to justify, vindicate the cause of, save 1d4) to make righteous, turn to righteousness 1e) (Hithpael) to justify oneself

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just(-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be turn to) righteous(-ness). See also: Genesis 38:26; Job 33:32; Psalms 19:10.

וְ/יִשְׁמְע֖וּ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

וְ/יֹאמְר֥וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אֱמֶֽת ʼemeth H571 "truth" N-fs

This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.

Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly

Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.

Study Notes — Isaiah 43:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Isaiah 43:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 43:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 43:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 43:9
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 43:9
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 43:9
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 43:9
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 43:9
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 43:9
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 43:9
Sermons on Isaiah 43:9

Context — Israel’s Only Savior

7everyone called by My name and created for My glory, whom I have indeed formed and made.” 8Bring out a people who have eyes but are blind, and who have ears but are deaf.

9All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Who among them can declare this, and proclaim to us the former things? Let them present their witnesses to vindicate them, so that others may hear and say, “It is true.”

10“You are My witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may consider and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, and after Me none will come. 11I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no Savior but Me.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 46:10	I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’
2	Isaiah 44:7–9	Who then is like Me? Let him say so! Let him declare his case before Me, since I established an ancient people. Let him foretell the things to come, and what is to take place. Do not tremble or fear. Have I not told you and declared it long ago? You are My witnesses! Is there any God but Me? There is no other Rock; I know not one.” All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame.
3	Isaiah 41:21–26	“Present your case,” says the LORD. “Submit your arguments,” says the King of Jacob. “Let them come and tell us what will happen. Tell the former things, so that we may reflect on them and know the outcome. Or announce to us what is coming. Tell us the things that are to come, so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something good or evil, that we may look on together in dismay. Behold, you are nothing and your work is of no value. Anyone who chooses you is detestable. I have raised up one from the north, and he has come— one from the east who calls on My name. He will march over rulers as if they were mortar, like a potter who treads the clay. Who has declared this from the beginning, so that we may know, and from times past, so that we may say: ‘He was right’? No one announced it, no one foretold it, no one heard your words.
4	Joel 3:11	Come quickly, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves. Bring down Your mighty ones, O LORD.
5	Isaiah 43:26	Remind Me, let us argue the matter together. State your case, so that you may be vindicated.
6	Isaiah 41:1	“Be silent before Me, O islands, and let the peoples renew their strength. Let them come forward and testify; let us together draw near for judgment.
7	Psalms 50:1	The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from where the sun rises to where it sets.
8	Isaiah 48:5–6	Therefore I declared it to you long ago; I announced it before it came to pass, so that you could not claim, ‘My idol has done this; my carved image and molten god has ordained it.’ You have heard these things; look at them all. Will you not acknowledge them? From now on I will tell you of new things, hidden things unknown to you.
9	Isaiah 48:14	Come together, all of you, and listen: Which of the idols has foretold these things? The LORD’s chosen ally will carry out His desire against Babylon, and His arm will be against the Chaldeans.
10	Psalms 49:1–2	Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor alike.

Isaiah 43:9 Summary

[Isaiah 43:9 is saying that all the nations and peoples of the world will come together, but none of them can declare God's plans or predict the future like He can, as seen in Isaiah 46:10. This verse is highlighting God's uniqueness and power, and reminding us that He is the only one who truly knows and controls the future, as mentioned in Jeremiah 29:11. It's a call to trust and worship Him alone, and to recognize His sovereignty over all things, as seen in Psalm 103:19. By looking at God's track record of fulfilling His plans, we can have confidence in His goodness and provision for our lives, as seen in Romans 8:28.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main point of Isaiah 43:9?

The main point of Isaiah 43:9 is to highlight the uniqueness of God and His ability to declare and fulfill His plans, as opposed to the idols and false gods of other nations, as seen in Isaiah 43:10-11 and Deuteronomy 4:15-16.

Who are the 'nations' and 'peoples' mentioned in this verse?

The 'nations' and 'peoples' refer to the various countries and cultures that do not worship the one true God, as seen in Psalm 96:3-5 and 1 Kings 18:21.

What does it mean to 'declare the former things'?

To 'declare the former things' means to predict and fulfill events before they happen, which is a characteristic unique to God, as seen in Isaiah 41:22-23 and Isaiah 46:10.

Why is it significant that the nations cannot 'declare this' or 'proclaim to us the former things'?

It is significant because it shows that the nations and their idols are powerless and lack the ability to predict and control the future, unlike God, who is all-powerful and all-knowing, as seen in Jeremiah 32:17 and Romans 11:33-36.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that God has declared and fulfilled His plans in my life, and how can I trust Him more?
How do I respond to the idea that God is the only one who can truly predict and control the future, and what does this mean for my daily life?
In what ways can I be a witness to God's power and uniqueness, as mentioned in Isaiah 43:10, and how can I share this with others?
What are some 'former things' that God has declared and fulfilled in the Bible, and how can I learn from these examples to trust Him more?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 43:9

Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled,.... In one place, if it could be, in an open court of judicature; that their whole strength might be united together, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 43:9

Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 43:9

Let the people be assembled, to plead the cause of their idols with me. Who among them can declare this? this wonderful work of mine in bringing my people out of captivity, which I have already foretold, and shall further declare; and that so exactly, that I shall name the person by whom this work shall be begun, even Cyrus, who is yet unborn, and shall be so for above two hundred years: let any of your heathen gods do the like. Former things, not things already past, but such things as shall happen long before the return from the captivity, which yet your blind idols cannot foresee. See Poole "". Their witnesses, who can testify the truth and certainty of any such predictions of theirs. That they may be justified; that they may be owned for true gods, which in that case I allow them to expect. But of this argument see on ,23. Or let them hear and say, It is truth; or if they can produce no evidence of any such thing, as I am well assured that they cannot, let them be silent, and hear me and my witnesses, as it follows in the next verse; and let them confess that what I say is truth, that I only am the true God, and that they are but vanity and falsehood.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 43:9

Isaiah 43:9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, [It is] truth.Ver. 9. Let all the nations.] See Isaiah 41:1. And shew us former things.] Much less can they show us things future. Varro calleth all the time before the flood αδηλον, obscure, because the heathens had no certain relation of anything then done. And Diod. Siculus acknowledgeth that all that was written among them before the Theban and Trojan wars was little better than fabulous. The gods of the Gentiles had not so much as any solid knowledge of things past, neither could they orderly and perfectly set them forth by their secretaries. It is truth,] scil., That there is but one true God. Phocylides did say so, ειςμονοςεστι Yεος, &c. Socrates suffered for holding this truth at Athens. Plato held the same, but dared not speak out. These are his words: It is neither easy to find out the maker of all things, nor safe to communicate to the common people what we have found out of him. Here, for fear of the people, he detained the truth in unrighteousness. And the like did Seneca, whom Augustine accuseth, quod colebat quod reprehendebat; agebat quod arguebat; quod culpabat, adorabat that he worshipped those gods whom he disliked and decried. De Civit. Dei, lib. vi. cap. 10.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 43:9

(9) Who among them . . .—The challenge of Isa 41:22-23 is repeated. Who among their gods has foretold the “former things”? has predicted events that were then in the future, and have now come to pass?

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 43:9

Verse 9. Who among them] Seven MSS., three ancient, and the first edition, 1486, with the Syriac and Vulgate, read בכם bechem, who among you; the present reading is preferable.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 43:9

9. Let all the nations be gathered together] The form of the verb in Heb. presents difficulty. By some it is treated as a rare form of imperat., on the ground of two doubtful analogies (so R.V. marg., “Gather yourselves together &c.”). Others take it as a precative perf. (A.V. and R.V.) the existence of which in Heb. is also disputed (see Driver, Tenses, § 20). There seems, however, no reason why it should not be understood as a perf. in the ordinary sense: All the nations are gathered together. The assembling of the parties in the process naturally precedes the calling of witnesses; and this clause is descriptive of the scene presupposed by Isaiah 43:8. The following verb should then be pointed as a consecutive impf.: and the peoples are assembled. who among them (the heathen gods, represented by their worshippers) can declare this] i.e. the contents of the prophecy, Isaiah 43:1-7. former things] predictions of the events that have already taken place. If they profess to do this, then let them bring forth their witnesses, in support of their contention. or let them hear, and say] The subject is the witnesses, who are supposed to hear the allegations of the false deities, and corroborate them. be justified … It is truth] see on ch. Isaiah 41:26.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 43:9

Let all the nations be gathered together - Let them be assembled to give evidence, or to adduce proofs that their idols are worthy of confidence Isaiah 41:1. Who among them can declare this?

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 43:9

8, 9. An excellent view, is that of Lowth’s. Opposed to interpreters who follow Vitringa, Lowth supposes the heathen world summoned to a grand convocation to test the claims of Jehovah against idols.

Sermons on Isaiah 43:9

	Sermon	Description
	A Word for Those Who Want to Know God by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Daniel and how it relates to our modern times. He highlights Daniel's prophecy about an increase in travel and knowledge in the l
	Jehovah-Nissi by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hungering for God and wanting to know who He is. The message is part of a series of eight or nine messages. The speaker enc
	Death Is Only a Shadow by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of progressing in the Christian walk beyond the initial stages of faith. Many believers tend to stay in the shallow knowledge
	The Making of an Apostle by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of crying out to God from the depths of our being rather than living superficially. He warns against receiving messages from m
	The Supremacy of Christ by John Piper	This sermon emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus Christ in His eternality, constancy, knowledge, wisdom, authority, providence, power, purity, trustworthiness, justice, patience, obed
	The Eternal Purpose of God - Part 2 by Stephen Kaung	This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God's purpose to find meaning in life. It shares a powerful story of a woman who discovered the true meaning of life through unders
	(Pdf Book) How to Find God's Will by Bakht Singh	Bakht Singh emphasizes the significance of understanding and following God's will, asserting that it is a believer's privilege and responsibility. He shares his personal journey of